Synthesis of quinazolinone conjugated shorter analogues of Bactenecin7 as potent antimicrobials.

A series of shorter peptide analogues of Bactenecin7 (RP, PRP, GPRP and RPRP) were synthesized and conjugated to 3-(4-oxo-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-2-yl)propanoic acid to study the effect of conjugation. All the peptides and their conjugates were characterized by analytical and spectroscopic techniques. The synthesized compounds viz., peptides, heterocyclic conjugates and the hydrogenolyzed products were evaluated for antimicrobial activity against a panel of pathogens. The results revealed that all the conjugates have shown enhanced activity than their counterparts. Further, hydrogenolyzed tetrapeptide conjugates (10 and 13) have exerted highly potent activity nearly 3-4 times than the standard drugs used.

Dorsal column stimulation in persistent vegetative state.

Objectives. The problem of treating patients in a vegetative state remains grossly unresolved, and spinal cord stimulation (SCS) had seemed promising in some studies, suggesting, to us, further study. Materials and Methods. A prospective uncontrolled and nonrandomized observational study for 20 consecutive years (1986-2005) was performed on the effect of SCS in 214 patients in persistent vegetative state (PVS) that resulted from global anoxia and/or, stroke and/or head injury. After confirming the condition of PVS, a spinal cord stimulator, at the C2-C4 level, was implanted, stimulating according to a protocol of 15-min on/15-min off during daytime only. The results were evaluated using an efficacy scale designed by us for our study, detecting signs of awareness of self and surrounding. Results. Excellent and positive results were obtained in 109 of 201 patients (54%), but better in those patients below the age of 35, those of PVS of traumatic origin and those patients with regional cerebral blood flow over 20 mL/100 g/min. Conclusions. These findings, though inconclusive of actual benefit of SCS for PVS, indicate to us that further evidence-based, randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm efficacy of the treatment and define those who are going to benefit from this treatment method.

Virtual 3-dimensional preoperative planning with the dextroscope for excision of a 4th ventricular ependymoma.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Advances in computer imaging and technology have facilitated enhancement in surgical planning with a 3-dimensional model of the surgical plan of action utilizing advanced visualization tools in order to plan individual interactive operations with the aid of the dextroscope. This provides a proper 3-dimensional imaging insight to the pathological anatomy and sets a new dimension in collaboration for training and education. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: The case of a seventeen-year-old female, being operated with the aid of a preoperative 3-dimensional virtual reality planning and the practical application of the neurosurgical operation, is presented. This young lady presented with a two-year history of recurrent episodes of severe, global, throbbing headache with episodes of projectile vomiting associated with shoulder pain which progressively worsened. She had no obvious neurological deficits on clinical examination. CT and MRI showed a contrast-enhancing midline posterior fossa space-occupying lesion. INTERVENTION: Utilizing virtual imaging technology with the aid of a dextroscope which generates stereoscopic images, a 3-dimensional image was produced with the CT and MRI images. A preoperative planning for excision of the lesion was made and a real-time 3-dimensional volume was produced and surgical planning with the dextroscope was made and the lesion excised. CONCLUSION: Virtual reality has brought new proportions in 3-dimensional planning and management of various complex neuroanatomical problems that are faced during various operations. Integration of 3-dimensional imaging with stereoscopic vision makes understanding the complex anatomy easier and helps improve decision making in patient management.